When it comes to Kapok, Java Kapok, or Ceiba Pentandra, most people will know that this plant-based material is cultivated in south-east Asia, including Indonesia. Indeed, that is why there are many kapok fibre suppliers in Indonesia. This cultivation in Indonesia has a fascinating pace. Here is how its growth and development information for you.
The Ecology
This strong and majestic tree is a surprisingly adaptive yet picky plant. The ecological condition explains that the tree thrives in a place below 500m elevation. It also has a night temperature below 17°C, which is quite low. While Indonesia located right in the equator line, but most of the region has it all the requirement.
The tree also requires a high amount of rainfall during its vegetative period. At the same time, it can survive well in a drier period. However, it needs constant water demand. It supposedly has 150 – 300 mm rain or water distribution. In some cases, the tree grows at the river banks. While in Java or Sulawesi, Kapok found on mountain slopes.
The Growing And Development Of Kapok Tree
Most of you might wonder, how long will it take to reach 200 feet or around 70 meters tall? The tree can grow up to 4 meters each year, especially with its optimal condition. However, the seed to its young plant’s age (around 1-meter height) will take approximately 6 months. It is a normal pace, considering the 3 days seed germination.
Kapok Fibre Suppliers cultivates the tree with a variance of ranges since the flowering period will not happen quickly. When the tree reaches dry season (March to May), the flowers will occur on leafless branches. What makes it more fascinating is that the flower will not appear at once. It can take over four to six weeks.
It even has a specific time when the buds will open, which is around 15 to 20 minutes after sunset. After the flower blooming, it will start to wilt and starting to drop. That time is considered as the pollinating time. This self-pollination period is very crucial for the kapok plantation. The night wind presumed to blow the pollen along with the help of bats.
On the other hand, in the morning the insect pollination will take action. All of these processes will be part of organic or natural cultivation. There is no human help or interference for spreading its pollen. Along with it, the pollination will result in fruits that popped out 4 to 5 days after flowering.
Once again, the kapok development reaches its other stages. Where the tree will bear its fruit that takes days to be fully developed. The fruit can reach its full size around 30 days or even 80th day. It is also worth noting that the tree won’t fruit each year. It can go beyond more than 3 years or become a fully grown tree (7-10 years old) to finally bear fruits.
This tree is quite picky when it comes to location, but most of all, it can survive in the harsh rainforest ecosystem. The rain, temperature, height is very critical for kapok growth. That is why Kapok is very much manufactured in Java. You can get more information about the kapok fiber filling price or product at kapokfibersuppliers.com.